These seven food types ruin your teeth because they are either acidic or sugary. Acid and sugars are two compounds that either promotes additional bacteria in your mouth or cause damage to tooth enamel. How many of these foods do you eat?
1. Pickles and Pickled Veggies
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Pickles and pickled food items are high in vinegar. Vinegar is an acid. To overcome the tartness of the vinegar, some food manufacturers also add sugar. The acid from the vinegar works to destroy tooth enamel while the sugar helps to support bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth are mostly good, but their byproduct is lactic acid, and that destroys tooth enamel. Just follow the recommended after-meal dental care and the damage that pickled foods cause will diminish.
2. Popcorn
Crunchy, soft, and salty, popcorn is a snack that easily packs into the space between your teeth. Bacteria enjoy these types of foods, which then leads to weak enamel and cavities. A good solution so this kind of damage is to increase oral hygiene. To help overcome the problems of popcorn stuck in your teeth, floss after enjoying this popular treat.
3. Diet Soda
Soda, diet or otherwise is highly acidic. The problem with diet soda is that it fools you into thinking it is sugar-free. While the problem is not the sugar, but the acid. It is best to avoid soda, especially diet soda. Instead of soda, try water as a beverage as it helps prevent cavities.
4. Acidic Fruit
Eating fruit is healthy and good for you. Fruits like apples, oranges, and grapefruit are highly acidic, and their acids can destroy tooth enamel. A good tip is just to rinse your mouth after eating acidic fruit or drinking their juice. Also, routine dental cleanings and examinations help to spot cavities before they become a major problem. For affordable dental care, Reassurance Dental offers cost-effective supplemental coverage.
5. Lozenges and Hard Candy
Lozenges and hard candy are foods that we hold in our mouth as we enjoy them. Because they are hard, they can contribute to broken teeth if chewed. They also contain a high amount of sugar which feeds the bacteria and leads to the buildup of lactic acid. To help decrease the damage that lozenges cause, just rinse your mouth after eating hard candy.
6. Chewy Candy
As delicious as chewy candy is, it wreaks havoc on your teeth. The soft, sugary candy easily lodges between teeth where it becomes a feast for bacteria and adds to enamel loss. If you love soft candies, make sure to floss after eating them. By removing the candy stuck between teeth, you eliminate the food source for the bacteria.
7. Dressings, Sauces, and Condiments
BBQ sauce, salad dressing, and other condiments are high in sugar or acids. Both lead to loss of enamel and cavities. Dressings are popular and difficult to avoid, but good dental care after indulging is key to healthy teeth.
The key to avoiding dental damage from foods is to avoid excess sugar and acids. Proper brushing and flossing after every meal also helps.
